Confucius Institute hosts successful Chinese Bridge competition

Participants of the 18th Chinese Bridge Competition hosted by USP’s Confucius Institute at Laucala campus. Picture: SUPPLIED/JIANING CUI

By KELERA DITAIKI

TEN students from The University of the South Pacific stepped up their game at the 18^th Chinese Bridge Competition on Laucala campus recently, showcasing an array of Chinese performances.

Hosted by USP’s Confucius Institute, the local competition aimed to arouse the enthusiasm of students in different countries in learning Chinese as well strengthening the world’s understanding of the Chinese language and culture.

Law students Natasha Chan and Tania Wickham placed first and second respectively during the competition.

Speaking to Wansolwara, Ms Chan said participating in the competition was a great experience. Her dance and performance on the drums kept the crowd on their toes.

“Learning the Chinese language is difficult but it is interesting,” she said.

“I’m looking forward to participating in the international Chinese Bridge competition and meeting participants from other countries.”

Speaking on behalf of Dr Akanisi Kedrayate, dean of the Faculty of Arts, Law & Education (FALE), head of the School of Language, Arts and Media, Professor Sudesh Mishra, said the Chinese proficiency competition was a global event for students learning to speak Chinese.

“I was especially delighted by the infectious collegiality shown by the current cohort of students attached to the Confucius Institute,” Prof Mishra said.

“They clearly grasped that genuine learning is not sequestered from horseplay, fun and collaboration. They competed and celebrated with each other—that was wonderful to witness.  The effort put into organising the event by the CI-USP team was exemplary.  So kudos to the teachers and students.”      

Prof Mishra said local winners were given the opportunity to travel to China to compete with winners from other countries and regions, and the finals were televised nationally.

Chinese Association in Fiji president Jenny Seeto said learning the Chinese language was beneficial for students who wanted to understand Chinese politics, economy and culture.

The global Chinese Bridge Proficiency Competition is organised by Hanban, which is the Office of Chinese Language Council International that is affiliated with the Chinese Ministry of Education.

The yearly competition comprises three events, namely, Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign College Students, Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign High School Students and Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Students in China.

• Kelera Ditaiki is a first-year journalism student at The University of the South Pacific’s Laucala campus.